Two-time Olympian Josh Watson represented Australia at the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the 2004 Athens Olympics, placing 4th and 6th respectively in the 100-meter backstroke. Prior to the 2000 Olympic Games, Josh won a silver medal in the 100m Backstroke at the 1998 Commonwealth Games and then went on to win a gold in the 200m Backstroke at the 1999 World Short Course Championships.

Josh brings a wealth of knowledge to Fitter & Faster Swim Clinics, specializing in backstroke and freestyle clinics with a strong focus on technique. He is a student of the sport and continues to deepen his knowledge of stroke mechanics as he works with young athletes. He says, “I position myself as a technical expert. The interesting thing is that the more I dig into a stroke, the further I get away from how I swam it. I encourage clinic participants to challenge their beliefs around a stroke, as I have, as they may unlock the key to a faster and more efficient stroke.”

Josh finds that young athletes have the creativity and intellect to experiment with new techniques and training methods in order to find what works best for them. He says, “My clinics changed when I became a parent. I realized how quickly children progress, and I believe kids are capable of understanding and applying complex concepts, even at a young age.” Josh shares tips about mindset, goal setting, and how to overcome performance anxiety. He creates a positive, supportive atmosphere at his clinics, encouraging swimmers to believe in themselves and their ability to meet their goals.

Josh tolls the virtues of hard work and dedication. He says, “I find that kids may have a preconceived notion that there is a distinct difference between themselves and successful, elite swimmers…that those swimmers have something special that they don’t. I share with them that there are more Olympic gold medalists that reached the podium through hard work and dedication than from talent. It’s okay if you’re not an age group champion. We each have our own timing as it relates to physical maturity that is impossible to predict. Sport provides the most fantastic environment to learn about yourself by testing your limits. The process is what’s most important, not the results.”

“My favourite Sydney Games moment was when my Dad picked me up from the Athletes Village to take me home. I couldn’t take my eyes off the Olympic torch. I was trying to watch it through all the buildings and trees. I didn’t want it to disappear from view, and when it did, I actually cried for what I had just been a part of…an amazing time of my life.”

Josh’s Reviews

“Josh did a great job connecting with my son who has been swimming for 10+ years. He was able to look at his technique in detail and offer suggestions for improvement that other coaches haven’t” – Muscatine, IA

“The backstroke camp was awesome. The lead clinician Josh was fabulous. He was an amazing instructor and really gave the kids good tips in a super fun and engaging way. We would definitely love to see another clinic with Josh in our area!” – Beatrice in Potomac, MD

“My son Blain Dingus absolutely loved this camp and Clinic Coach Josh Watson. Josh made us feel welcome right when we stepped in to the doors. What amazed me is that with all those swimmers there, Josh remembered Blain and all the swimmers on a first name basis throughout the whole camp. Josh was incredible with all the kids and always had alot of positive reinforcement. He was phenomenal with every swimmer all aging from 8 to 17 years of age. He demonstrated and approached his techniques to the swimmers in a way that all the kids in the pool benefited. I cant thankyou enough Josh Watson for a great swim camp. Blain will be definitely attending next year or sooner.” – Marilyn in Muscatine, IA

“Josh Watson was an amazing clinician! He helped support and encourage my daughter. Josh Watson went above and beyond in all aspects. He shared tips that he would have wanted to know at the swimmers’ age. He gave individual feedback even in a group of 16+ swimmers. He explained and demonstrated skills clearly and with precision. Josh Watson made real time changes to the intended curriculum when he noticed swimmers’ performance on a certain drill and then made a quick addition because he thought they would like the drill/practice. So now my 11 year old daughter has had specific feedback and hands-on correction by a former Olympian who has told her that she was an awesome swimmer with positive feedback about her stroke!” – Stephanie in Cleveland, OH

“Josh spent a great deal of time in the water demonstrating techniques. His teaching and sharing his experiences were amazing. He enlighten swimmers and others about how your mental thoughts can control an out come in a race. And the differences between a pre and post stretch were very informative. I’m am autistic and Josh made me feel so welcomed as introduced myself. He including me and gave feedback to me and every one in the group. I had so much fun and learned a lot.” – Dan Materi in Atlanta, GA